Australia has officially handed over the new Buala Market in a joyful celebration marking Isabel Province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day. The SBD25.6 million locally designed and built market is one of five funded by Australia to boost economic activity in rural areas across Solomon Islands.
The new Buala Market accommodates 180 vendors and includes:
- A 3‑metre seawall to protect the market from coastal hazards
- Rainwater harvesting and 38,000 litres of water storage
- A hybrid solar power system to meet the market’s energy needs
- Accessible toilets and showers for women, men and people with disabilities
- Low‑height benches suitable for wheelchair users
- A parenting room for breastfeeding mothers, vendor storage, kiosk and a market administration office.
Guest of Honour and Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Hon. Alfred Lazarus Rimah, thanked Australia for its support for markets as a central place for economic activity, especially for women and rural development.
Acting Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Andrew Schloeffel, said the market was “built by Solomon Islanders, for Solomon Islanders with the design reflecting the priorities of the Buala community and local market vendors.”
“The project demonstrates how local skills, community ownership and quality construction can create long lasting economic opportunities for Isabel farmers, fishers and families” Acting High Commissioner Schloeffel said
In his comments at the handover ceremony, Deputy Premier of Isabel Province, Hon. Tony Vahia, said the market reflected the province’s aspirations for resilient, inclusive economic infrastructure.
“Isabel is long known for its rich natural resources, and this market will play a central role in improving opportunities for our people, and we thank the Australian Government for their partnership with us,” Hon. Vahia said.
Local contractor Tropic Group Builders led the delivery of the market involving over 90 Solomon Islanders, including 39 workers from the surrounding Buala community, with around SBD10 million injected directly into the Isabel economy through local wages, materials and services during construction.
Member for Maringe/Kokota Constituency, Hon Cathy Nori, has been a long-time champion of the project and said the handover ceremony celebrated hope for families, the promotion of healthy eating and creation of real economic opportunities.
“This state-of-the-art market demonstrates what practical development looks like,” Hon. Nori said.
“We listened to our vendors, who travel long distance to earn something to support their families’ daily needs, who wanted a safe, clean space with proper facilities to sell with dignity and earn reliable income.”
Representing the National Government at the handover ceremony, Hon. Daniel Waneoroa, Minister for Rural Development, commented on the inclusive design features of the new market. During his remarks the Minister said:
“This is not just a market for commerce; it is a market designed for everyone – with wheelchair friendly toilets and showers, low-height market benches, ramps, safe pathways and other features that ensure people with disabilities can participate fully in economic and community life.”
“Development is strongest when nobody is left behind. Every Solomon Islander deserves the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from economic growth. This market reflects that principle.”
Australia has also supported the UN Women “Markets for Change” program to establish the Buala Market Vendors Association and provide vendors with training in inclusion, savings and business skills.
Chairlady of the Association, Mrs Annie Vavaha, said the market was the beating heart of Buala.
“Vendors helped shape this market, and we are ready to look after it,” Mrs Vavaha said.
“The new space is safer, cleaner and more accessible for our mothers, youths and people with disabilities, and will provide a place for entrepreneurs to grow their business.”
The combined Second Appointed Day and handover ceremony at Buala Market celebrations included speeches by representatives of the Isabel Provincial Government, the national government, Australia, local MPs and market vendors, followed by the symbolic key handover, ribbon‑cutting, unveiling of the market signboard and a tour of the new facilities.
